Old Chub. Make sure you look under the can for a special message.Allison Carey, The Plain Dealer

Today's pick hit is Old Chub.

Oskar Blues, a Colorado brewer that recently has made its way to Northeast Ohio store shelves, is big on cans. This excellent Scotch ale is malty and has a bit of caramel flavor and a slight sweetness. Scotch ales can be high in alcohol; this is 8 percent. The ale's carbonation is not overwhelming, and there's a bit of coffee on the finish.

Scotch ales are made to be savored. Peated malt gives them a rich, distinct flavor. If you like only hopped-up ales, this might not be for you. But it is definitely worth trying.

Why hoist one: Today is the birthday of Eric Liddell, an Olympic champion runner known as the "Flying Scotsman." He was portrayed in the Oscar-winning film "Chariots of Fire" from 1981.

Label: Oskar Blues offerings are in cans, this one being green, black and white. The beer's name is always in the largest type, probably a smart marketing move. There's nothing too special about this except one little nuance: On the bottom a brewed-on date is stamped along with the message: "Chub me tender."

What you'll pay: $9 for a six-pack of 12-ounce cans.

Each week, Bona cracks one (or two) open and offers his comments on the brew. He posts occasional thoughts on beer via Twitter @mbona30. Check out The Plain Dealer's beer page, facebook.com/Pdbeer.

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